Cheshire Police establish new PC Harold Howarth Award
CHESHIRE Police have established a new award in memory of a former officer.
PC Harold Howarth, from Fearnhead, enjoyed a career of more than 25 years in the police service and passed away in May 2019 aged 86.
Serving as ‘village bobby’ in Padgate in the 1950s and 1960s before transferring to Winwick in 1969 and retiring in 1980, he was remembered by colleagues as a ‘firm believer in giving young people something positive to prevent them from getting in trouble’.
Now the force has dedicated an annual award, the PC Harold Howarth Award, to his memory – a prize which will fittingly recognise children who have made a positive impact in their community.
Nine youngsters, aged between six and 17, attended a ceremony at Warrington Police Station on Wednesday, May 11 – with Teegan Ashfield being named as the inaugural winner.
he 11-year-old received this recognition for her work in helping pupils with additional needs at Meadowside Community Primary School in Longford.
Inspector Ruth Atherton said: “I am proud to have been able to recognise the actions that all of the children have made in order to be nominated for this award that holds such a special place in our hearts at Warrington local policing unit.
“I want to send my praise to all nine of the nominees for the award, and a special well done to Teegan who has won the award in its first year of existence.
“Teegan’s cheerful nature is infectious, and it has encouraged others to mix and play too.
“Some of the things that the children have done have really made a positive impact on the local community and will most definitely inspire others to do the same, just what PC Howarth would have wanted in his legacy.”
PC Howarth grew up in Rossendale, Lancashire, and transferred to the constabulary from Liverpool, having previously served in the RAF.
He married wife Irene in 1955 – with the couple moving to Fearnhead in 1958 and having one daughter, Gillian.
Harold worked as a security officer following his retirement from the force and was a keen footballer lover, running u17s team Padgate Hall.
Meadowside’s welfare coordinator Alison Stokes nominated year six student Teegan for the award
She said: “When we heard about the PC Harold Howarth Award, Teegan sprang to mind straight away. She is kind, caring and one of the most positive pupils I have ever met.
“Teegan understands how important it is to ensure that everyone is included in lessons as well as at play times.
“Inclusion is very important to us here at Meadowside Community Primary School.
“We are so very proud of Teegan and we would like to thank the family and friends of PC Harold Howarth for setting up this wonderful award to recognise the wonderful young people of our town.”
Source: (Warrington Guardian)